Before last weekend arrived, Clinton Christian Academy’s Josiah Clemons had a pretty good idea about his college future. The 2025 offensive tackle and On3 three-star prospect still had a couple of questions he wanted to ask Mississippi State’s coaching staff during last weekend’s official visit.
Once he got those answers, Clemons quickly committed to the Bulldogs on Saturday evening before going public with his decision the following day. Clemons is rated as the nation’s No. 83 offensive tackle and the state’s No. 20 prospect by On3.
Clemons became the first offensive line commitment in the class for State offensive line coach Cody Kennedy. The Clinton Christian Academy standout also holds offers from Memphis, Marshall, Toledo, Louisiana and Southern Miss among others.
“Before the weekend visit started I had a good idea of what was going to happen,” explained the 6-foot-7 and 315-pound Clemons. “I knew I wanted to do it then. I had a few more questions that I wanted answered. Once I got them answered, there was nothing left to do but commit to Mississippi State.”
Clemons was one of several visitors that ended up committing to Lebby and company during the weekend, particularly on Saturday evening. He noted of the moment he delivered the good news to Lebby at Lebby’s house.
“We headed over to Coach Lebby’s house on Saturday and we were having a function there,” Clemons recalled. “We were about to get in the pool. Right before I got in, I told Coach Lebby I wanted to be a Bulldog. Then I went back to the photo shoot and rang the cowbell. So that is how it all went down right there.”
And regarding Lebby’s offensive scheme, Clemons is eager to be part of that process.
“That is going to be exciting,” added Clemons. “It is an up-tempo offense and I like it. I am used to that offense in high school so I should transition to it really well.”
Since the middle of May, Clemons saw his recruiting process become more active with several new offers due to his summer camp showings. That included Mississippi State, who offered Clemons a couple of days after he impressed the coaches at Top Dawg Clinic on May 30th. With his decision now made, Clemons is grateful to get back to normal life again.
“It is calming now,” Clemons noted. “Everything has been so crazy over the last few weeks with a lot of new offers and everything. Now that I am committed I can just take a step back and relax. Now I know where I am going and I can get ready for the season.”
One factor behind Clemon’s Bulldog choice was his relationship with offensive line coach Cody Kennedy. He is confident that Kennedy can develop him at the next level and is eager for that opportunity.
“Coach Kennedy is a funny guy,” Clemons mentioned. “He also knows what he is talking about with the offensive line and he is a good coach. I can’t wait to play for him. He likes me at offensive tackle and I think that is my money spot. I just have to continue to develop at that spot and learn from Coach Kennedy.”
And regarding his future in Starkville, Clemons is hoping to start that clock sooner than later. He is attempting to graduate high school early and is wanting to have that chance to enroll in January.
“I am going to try to graduate early and that will be a big help,” remarked Clemons. “I have to work out some things with my school counselor but I should be able to do that. I hope it works out so I can get a head start in January.”
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